Keralites' immense suffering

The southern Indian state of Kerala has been hit with what is being called the worst monsoon in a century. Already more than 350 people have lost their lives in the severe floods. Nearly 700,000 people have sought shelter in relief camps, adequate supply of food and medicine is a growing problem and there has been untold damage done to infrastructure.

I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and the affected people and I hope that Keralites can muster the strength to overcome this disaster and the repercussions it has had on them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced additional relief amounting to Rs 500 crore and even Gulf countries such as the UAE and Qatar have pledged financial assistance. I hope that more countries come forward and offer help not only financially but also in terms of relief supplies, aid workers, etc.

Junaid Khan, by email